Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 148962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 497(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 497(@300wpm)
He leans in while I’m focused on the screen, waiting for the jump scare. With perfect timing, he gives my ponytail a quick tug, startling a yelp from me.
His dark laughter slides over me like honey. It’s been so long since I heard him laugh like that, I almost think I’m imagining it. But when I glance over at him, his lips are tilted in a smirk. He’s definitely amused by this.
I stare at him far too long, trying to think of something to say. My brain seems to have malfunctioned.
As the moment stretches on, I can feel my face warming, so naturally, I get awkward. Searching for a diversion for my eyes, my gaze dips to the black T-shirt stretched across his muscular chest. His inked forearms are on full display, and I’m not sure how something so unassuming can look so…erotic.
At some point, he took off his hoodie and shoes and changed into a pair of black sweatpants that hang low on his hips.
He looks insanely hot right now, and I hate that I still think that about him. This whole situation is weird, and since I changed into my flannel pajama set, it feels far too casual.
We shouldn’t be lounging together like this. It feels like date activity.
“Do I make you nervous, Gabriela?”
When I look at him, his attention has shifted to my fingers. I didn’t even realize I was tapping them together.
“No,” I lie.
“You look unsettled.” His voice dips, emphasizing the word.
I think we’re playing a different game now. One where he tries to see if I’m still affected by him.
“I need a drink,” I announce as I jump up too quickly. “You want anything?”
“Why? Is that what you and Mariella were whispering about earlier? Is nurse Gabi here to take care of me?”
“If you want.”
Did that sound a little breathless or was it my imagination? God, how embarrassing.
Romeo’s gaze turns molten hot, and it sends a shiver down my spine.
“Okay, stop doing that.”
“Stop doing what?” he asks innocently.
“Looking at me like you want to eat me. I know you’re just trying to get inside my head.”
“Am I?” A hint of humor touches his voice.
“Yes.” I flee to the kitchen, taking a much needed breath.
I’m not really thirsty, but I grab two bottles of water anyway. What I really want to do is press one against my overheated skin, but that would give me away.
When I return to the lounge, I offer Romeo a bottle, and he purposefully brushes his fingers against mine as he takes it.
“You okay?” He arches a brow at me. “You look…hot.”
“I’m fine,” I grumble.
I sit back down, and he stretches out diagonally, narrowing the distance between us. His leg is only inches from mine now.
My eyes drift to that small gap between us throughout the rest of the movie, which I can’t seem to focus on.
When the credits roll, and Nightmare on Elm Street starts automatically, neither one of us moves.
This feels like the who will admit defeat first game, and it won’t be me.
I settle in for the long haul, grabbing the throw blanket off the back of the lounge and tucking my knees to my chest.
Minutes pass, and I occasionally steal glances at Romeo as my eyes grow heavy. He has to be exhausted, but he’s not caving at all.
Eventually, to my irritation, sleep must win.
When I wake up, I’m blissfully comfortable, my face nestled against something warm. I burrow into that fabric, inhaling as my brain tries to process what smells so good.
As my eyelids flutter open, I realize with humiliating clarity exactly what it is.
“Oh dear God,” I groan, blinking up at Romeo.
I fell asleep on him. I don’t know when or how, but my face is plastered to his abs.
“Morning, sunshine.” His eyes glint with satisfaction as he watches me squirm. “Sleep well?”
“I, um…” For some ungodly reason, my gaze drifts lower, and I swallow.
I’m only inches from his very large, very rigid cock.
Holy crap.
Do not make this weird.
That’s just biology. It doesn’t mean anything. Men wake up ready to fuck anything in their vicinity—like cavemen.
Why can’t I stop staring?
“Well, isn’t this cozy?” Rafe chirps.
I glance up at the amused expression on his face as he casually sips his coffee, staring at us.
This horror show is getting worse by the second.
“I have to…school,” I blurt.
Romeo is the picture of relaxation as I flounder against him, pulling myself upright.
I don’t think I’ve ever moved so awkwardly in my life as I scuttle to my room.
I head directly for the shower, desperate to wash away my humiliation. But as I close my eyes and let the water rush over me, the memory of a dream resurfaces.
Warm fingers grazing my cheek, rough words whispered against my ear.
“Sempre così dolce, piccola… anche quando mi fai impazzire.”
14
ROMEO
[ENTRY 004] — ANOMALY DETECTED
> Variable: her gaze exceeded baseline by five seconds.